All Ears English Podcast: “You Will be Connecting with These Phrases Before You Know it”

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Episode Focus: Exploring phrases that convey the swift passage of time and how to effectively use them in everyday English.

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the nuanced expressions that English learners can use to describe how quickly time seems to pass. The conversation revolves around understanding and utilizing phrases that not only enhance language skills but also facilitate deeper connections through relatable topics.

2. Perception of Time as We Age

Lindsay and Michelle begin by discussing a common sentiment: as people grow older, time appears to accelerate. Lindsay shares insights from a recent Instagram interaction where listeners were asked whether they feel the year is flying by or dragging on.

Lindsay McMahon (02:06):
"Sometimes we want to have an existential conversation about this or we simply want to comment on how fast milestones happen."

Michelle Kaplan (02:54):
"As you become older you feel the time passes faster. I remember thinking as a kid that a week was like a year... now a week is a flash."

This reflection sets the stage for exploring phrases that capture the fleeting nature of time, making the discussion both personal and universally relatable.

3. Key Phrases for Expressing Time Passing Quickly

The core of the episode focuses on six pivotal phrases: “in no time,” “in the blink of an eye,” “before you know it,” “just like that,” “faster than you can say ___,” and “in a flash.” Each phrase is dissected for its meaning, appropriate usage, and context.

a. In No Time

Meaning & Usage:
"In no time" is predominantly used to refer to something that will happen quickly in the future.

Example & Discussion:

Michelle Kaplan (04:24):
"It’s usually talking about something that's coming up in the future, saying that something will happen quickly."

Lindsay McMahon (04:27):
"For example, I'm sure you'll hear back from the hiring manager in no time."

This phrase is ideal for encouraging someone about an impending event or action.

b. In the Blink of an Eye

Meaning & Usage:
This expression typically refers to events that have already passed quickly, leaning more towards the past.

Example & Discussion:

Lindsay McMahon (05:39):
"Susie turned four in the blink of an eye. It’s going by too fast."

Michelle Kaplan (06:02):
"It's more about the past, often used when talking about kids growing up or things developing quickly."

This phrase evokes imagery of rapid change and is often used nostalgically.

c. Before You Know It

Meaning & Usage:
Used to describe something that will happen in the near future, often with a positive connotation.

Example & Discussion:

Michelle Kaplan (06:35):
"Before you know it, it'll be winter again."

Lindsay McMahon (07:01):
"It suggests that something will be over soon, carrying a hopeful tone."

This phrase is versatile, applicable to both minor daily occurrences and significant future events.

d. Just Like That

Meaning & Usage:
Commonly used to indicate that something happened suddenly or without much notice.

Example & Discussion:

Lindsay McMahon (09:11):
"Just like that, she's five."

Michelle Kaplan (09:15):
"It's often used to describe milestones or rapid developments, like a child growing up instantly."

Though sometimes considered cliché, it effectively conveys immediate change.

e. Faster Than You Can Say ___

Meaning & Usage:
A playful expression where the blank can be filled with any word or phrase, typically related to the context.

Example & Discussion:

Lindsay McMahon (10:13):
"I'll be done using your pen faster than you can say math test."

Michelle Kaplan (10:57):
"You can create your own placeholders, like 'Mickey Mouse,' to add a personal or humorous touch."

This phrase emphasizes speed and can be tailored creatively to fit various situations.

f. In a Flash

Meaning & Usage:
Denotes something that will occur very quickly, often in the immediate future.

Example & Discussion:

Michelle Kaplan (12:12):
"We’ll get through this faster than you can say Mickey Mouse."

Lindsay McMahon (12:50):
"It highlights rapid progression, useful in both casual and logistical conversations."

Like "before you know it," this phrase carries a sense of immediacy and efficiency.

4. Cultural Insights on the Value of Speed

The hosts explore how these expressions reflect broader cultural attitudes towards speed and efficiency, particularly in American society.

Michelle Kaplan (13:23):
"We are such a fast-paced culture and we value speed, especially within services. We want instant gratification."

Lindsay McMahon (13:53):
"It's interesting to see how cultural values influence the language we use to express time."

They discuss the tendency to rush and the societal preference for swift outcomes, highlighting how language mirrors these cultural traits.

5. Practical Applications and Role Play

To solidify understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario, demonstrating the natural usage of the discussed phrases in conversation.

Example Dialogue:

Lindsay McMahon (15:24):
"Are you hosting New Year's this year?"

Michelle Kaplan (15:28):
"Michelle, it's July."

Lindsay McMahon (15:35):
"Yeah, but it'll be here before you know it. Faster than you can say 26."

This exercise showcases how to seamlessly integrate these phrases into daily interactions, enhancing both fluency and conversational flow.

6. Final Takeaways and Reflections

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts summarize the importance of these phrases in building connections and reflecting on the swift passage of time.

Lindsay McMahon (18:37):
"Sometimes it's about logistics of planning things or sometimes it really is about, wow, my life is moving so fast."

Michelle Kaplan (18:50):
"It's a global thing, not just cultural, as we all experience time moving faster as we age."

They encourage listeners to practice these expressions, emphasizing that mastering such phrases can greatly enhance both language proficiency and personal connections.

7. Additional Resources

For those interested in further refining their speaking pace, the hosts recommend episode 24:45 titled “Why Slow Down in English, Part One: Pause for Punctuation.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Kaplan (04:24):
  "It’s usually talking about something that's coming up in the future, saying that something will happen quickly."

• Michelle Kaplan (13:23):
  "We are such a fast-paced culture and we value speed, especially within services. We want instant gratification."

• Lindsay McMahon (18:37):
  "Sometimes it's about logistics of planning things or sometimes it really is about, wow, my life is moving so fast."

This episode of the All Ears English Podcast serves as a valuable resource for intermediate to advanced English learners aiming to enrich their vocabulary with expressive phrases that resonate with everyday experiences and cultural nuances. By understanding and practicing these expressions, listeners can enhance their conversational skills and engage more naturally with native speakers.